Comics
From the Encyclopedia of Speculative Fiction - http://encyclopedia.wizards.pro
Comics (or, less known, sequential art) is a form of visual art consisting of images which are commonly combined with text, often in the form of speech balloons or image captions. Originally used to illustrate caricatures and to entertain through the use of amusing and trivial stories, it has—by now—evolved into a literary medium with many sub-genres.
The most common forms of printed comics are comic strips (most often four panels long) in newspapers and magazines, and longer comic stories in comic books, graphic novels and comic albums. In the first two forms the comics are secondary material usually confined to the entertainment sections, while the latter consist either entirely or primarily of comics.
Depending on the definition of the term, the origin of comics can be traced back to 15th century Europe. However, today's form of comics (with panels, and using text within the image in speech balloons, etc.), as well as the term comics itself, originated in the late 19th century.
Web Comics
Very recently, a new form of comic has made its mark in the online world in which it resides. That form is known as the web comic. In short, it is a comic that is drawn by hand or drawn electronically (by mouse or by drawing pad) and then uploaded onto a website that hosts many other web comics or onto its own server.
Many web comics have comment sections where a reader can comment on each page. Each page consists of three to five panels. Each panel may have just a drawing or may consist of one or more speech bubbles. Most web comics to date are drawn in typical realistic art (i.e. Kaspall) or in manga style (i.e. MegaTokyo).
There are many types of genres that web comics have been created to show for, including but not limited to fantasy, romance, and science fiction (these three being among the top). Some are fairly more mature, but most seem to be geared towards teens and young adults. Hero is a wonderful example of fantasy in a web comic. Very rarely do any web comics feature complete nudity or profanity (and none of the web comics linked here feature such things).
Yaoi (or male/male) has made its mark in the world of web comics. Many artists and writers have gained many a fan base due to their stories featuring teenage boy romance, or a plot of a similar nature. Honeydew Syndrome and Rainbow Carousel are prime examples of yaoi web comics.
Yuri (or female/female) is slowly getting its roots into the web comic land. That is not to say that the yuri web comics are not as developed or plot-worthy as their yaoi counter parts. Not in the least. In some cases, even, a yuri web comic will surpass a yaoi web comic in art, writing, and plot. An example of a yuri web comic would be Heard.
Overall, web comics are becoming more noticed and many artists/writers are setting up meetings at comic conventions, anime conventions, and other types of conventions. The more established web comics are publishing or self publishing their web comics into book (or manga) format to be available for purchase to the overall public. For those who may have a secret desire to start a web comic of your own, do not let this become daunting.
With web comic host sites, as long as you can draw decently, write well, and scan images--you too can create your own web comic. Smack Jeeves and Drunk Duck just to name a few.
This article is a stub. You can help by expanding it.